Playable Minds [On Hold]

Chapter 3 : Youth

"Where were you?!" My mom stood in front of the front door, blocking the entrance completely.

"I.. I was just talking to a friend.." Not a lie. She cocked her eyebrows in disbelief, ever since my father died she had been.. overly protective.

"A date?" Valent showed up behind me holding the groceries I was supposed to buy.

"It's nothing like that.." I sighed and looked at my mom once again.

"Just.. answer your phone the next time you're staying out late." She shook her head and walked inside without waiting for an answer.

"Okay.." I mumbled as I follow her, Valent trailing me from behind. My mind drifted back to the dream I had earlier, it might not be the first time that my memories had decided to haunt me, but I can still feel myself tremble as I recall the smell of smoke and the sight of flames burning right in front of my eyes. I clenched my fist in front of my chest, it was a terrifying sight.

"Sis?" I watched as my knuckles turned pale white, and let go before my eyes find its way to my sister's.

"What is it?" For a moment she hesitated, like she wanted to leave without saying anything. But then her free hand searched into the pocket of her shorts, steadily pulling a case into view, and for the second time today I feel my heart drop.

"How.. Where did you get that?!" Once again I clenched my free hand into a fist, holding in my unstable emotions. I tried to hide that CD, from my mom, and from her, it was for their own good.., but there it was, in the hands of my sister, she shrugged as she throws the CD into my hands. It jumbled about before I was finally able to take a grab of it competely.

"Your room." She answered, folding her arms in front of her chest.

"You went through my room?!"

"I was cleaning, my duty this week, remember?" She rolled her eyes, refusing to meet my gaze. I feel like today had been an unbelieveably unlucky day for me, with my secret being uncovered by two people. Yes, that must be it, I shall mark this date on my calendar, just in case. I messed my hair in frustration trying to think of an easy way out, but I must have bumped my head harder than I thought cause it seems like something's blocking my train of thoughts. I sighed and leaned my back against the wall.

"What do you want to know?" It's like a one-sided bargain, she had nothing to offer for my information, but then again, she is my sister, I know I can trust her.

"Why." She walked closer to my side and leaned against the wall next to me, to my amusement she didn't look like someone who's in need of infomation, only reasons.

"What do you mean?" She didn't turn to look at me. I can't help but notice how tall she is for a 13 year old, I may be 16 but the difference in our heights are not that far.

"Why are you toying with dad's stuff? You and I both know how dangerous that thing is and yet.. why did you have it?" It was surprising really, how she could look so mature. Looking back, compared to her, I was probably very childish, and selfish.

"I don't know really.. Maybe I was looking for something to hold on to.. or I am just trying to finish this thing he tried really hard to protect.. who knows.. I just.."  

I tried to continue, but I get the feeling that if I do, I might really break down, for good.

"I miss him." Valent's eyes looked distant, she had it hard, maybe harder than me.

"Yeah.., me too." I hear a sob, but Valent brushed it off, she walked away only to stop in front of the stairs.

"Just.. Becareful, Something's wrong with that project, I can feel it." She walked up the stairs without turning back, her ponytail bouncing along the way.